5:30 LRN Newscast July 26

Two-thirds of motorists have been making significant changes in their driving habits to combat high gas prices, that’s according to a Triple-A survey. Spokesperson Don Redman says even though the statewide average for a gallon of regular gas has dropped to $3.92, the changes in driving habits will most likely continue.

Cut 4  (10) “…the winter.”

The Department of Children and Family Services is expanding pandemic benefits for eligible K-12 students this summer. Assistant Secretary for Family Support Shavana Howard the benefits will be added automatically. And the website is p-ebtla-dot-org. has information about the program and what can be purchased.

Cut 11 (05)  “…p-ebt card.”

When qualifying for fall elections was over last week, two U.S. House district races had no Democrat entered. Kevin Gallagher looks at why…?

Cut 2 (33) “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.”  

Raising Canes CEO Todd Graves has bought 50-thousand tickets for tonight’s massive Mega Millions drawing. Graves says if any of the tickets wins the big jackpot, he will split it evenly among his company’s employees. The jackpot is now roughly $830-million.

4:45 LRN Sportscast

Saints football is back as veterans reported for training camp today. First practice is tomorrow morning. New Orleans had one of the top defenses in the NFL last season, allowing 20 points a game and holding teams to 94 yards on the ground. Saints analyst Mike Detillier says the Black and Gold should be good on defense again this season…
Cut 18 (13) “ …stay healthy.”
Detillier says the Saints should also be improved at wide receiver, especially if Michael Thomas is healthy….
Cut 19 (19) _“…the team.”

Tampa Bay has added another offensive weapon to help out there 44-year-old quarterback Tom Brady. ESPN’s Adam Schefter is reporting the Bucaneers are signing seven-time Pro Bowl wide receiver Julio Jones to a one-year-deal. Jones is 33-years-old and caught 31 passes in ten games for the Titans last season.

NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport reports Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow will miss the start of training camp to undergo surgery to remove his appendix. Rapoport says Burrow will miss some practice time but better now than later.

The Pelicans announce second round pick E-J Liddell underwent successell surgery to repair his torn ACL. The team says Liddell remains out indefinitely and further updates on his recovery timetable will be provided appropriately.

Northwestern State has announced they’ve signed Hansel Enmanuel, who has one arm. Enmanuel averaged nearly 26 points per game during his senior season at Life Christian Academy in Kissimmee and also had a scholarship offer from Memphis.

4:30 LRN Newscast July 26

According to AAA close to two-thirds of motorists have made lifestyle changes due to prices at the pump…:

CUT 01(33)      “…Thorington.”

Morehouse Parish deputies are investigating three separate shooting incidents in the small town of Bastrop in just eight days; all outside one local convenience store. LEO’s believe all are the result of disputes that are drug-related. Tipsters are asked to call the MPSO and share what they know.

 

The state Department of Children and Family Services has received approval to expand pandemic benefits for eligible K-12 students to help cover the cost of food for the summer. Assistant Secretary for Family Support Shavana Howard says students who received free or reduced-price meals and were in school in May of 2022, won’t have to apply for summer P-EBT benefits…:

CUT 10(06)      “…the benefits.”

Sign up or get more information at “PEBT.la.org”

In New Orleans, the federal tax fraud trial of Orleans D.A. Jason Williams has gone to the jury. Prosecutors say Williams and a business partner willingly filed false returns to get out of paying thousand in taxes. Williams’ defense attorneys blame it all on his accountant, but called no witnesses. A verdict is expected soon.

3:30 LRN Newscast July 26

Federal money flows into Louisiana to establish broadband internet service to some 66-thousand homes & businesses in 50 parishes. Veneeth Iyengar is Director of the Office of Broadband Development and Connectivity. He says the money comes from the America Rescue Plan, and using it they have a goal to eliminate the digital divide in Louisiana by 2029…:

CUT 14(07)      “…spent wisely.”

See if your parish will benefit. Visit “connect. La.gov”

According to a survey by AAA, motorists are making significant changes in their driving habits to combat high gas prices. Louisiana AAA’s Don Redman says that’s true, and these are the three behaviors they’re changing…:

CUT 03(09)      “…the economy.”

Gas IS in retreat. The statewide average for regular is now $3.92; down 53-cents from a month ago.

 

When qualifying for fall elections ended last week, it was clear that NO Democrat candidates were running in TWO congressional races. Shreveport Congressman Mike Johnson had no challenger at all – winning re-election unopposed. Baton Rouge area Congressman Garret Graves has two contenders, but neither are Democrats. LSU political science professor Robert Hogan says both are strong “red” districts with little hope for a Democrat to win. Nevertheless, he says, the absence of any well-known Dems in those races isn’t a good sign for future Democrat electoral endeavors…:

CUT 08(09)      “…in the 2023 elections.”

Deputies in Lafourche Parish arrest a Golden Meadow man for allegedly planting a camera in a woman’s home and capturing photos of her nude. The victim called deputies who found images of 65-year-old Ricky Cheramie also on the camera, installing the device. He’s been booked with video voyeurism and further charges may be coming.

LRN PM Newscall July 26

According to Triple-A close to two-thirds of motorists have made lifestyle changes due to prices at the pump. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 1 (33) “…I’m Brooke Thorington”

______________________________________

When qualifying for fall elections was over last week, two U.S. House district races had no Democrat entered. Kevin Gallagher looks at why…?

Cut 2 (33) “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.”  

______________________________________

Motorists have been making significant changes in their driving habits to combat high gas prices, that’s according to a Triple-A survey. Spokesperson Don Redman says almost two-thirds of drivers are changing their driving routines and the top three behaviors they’ve altered are…

Cut 3 (09) “…the economy” 

Even though the statewide average for a gallon of regular gas has dropped to $3.92, down 53 cents from a month ago, Redman says the changes in driving habits will most likely continue.

Cut 4  (10) “…the winter.”

In addition to driving less, combining errands, and reducing shopping and dining out, Redman says many are forgoing vacations. Even though there was pent-up demand for vacations earlier in the year, Redman says many people are reconsidering additional travel.

Cut 5  (10) “…expenditures.”

Other habits motorists have changed are carpooling, driving a more fuel-efficient vehicle, and use of public transportation.

_____________________________________________

Qualifying for the fall federal midterm elections ended last week with no Democrat candidate in two congressional district races. Why? LSU political science professor Robert Hogan says District 4’s Mike Johnson was just re-elected, having drawn NO opponent – democrat or otherwise. In District 6, Garret Graves has two challengers; a republican and a libertarian. Hogan says those are both VERY conservative districts…:

Cut 6 (07) “…are very low.” 

Hogan feels Louisiana has gerrymandered the districts to assure GOP dominance in all but one; the state’s mandated majority-minority District 2. However, he says the Representatives in D4 and D6 have worked hard for the folks back home…:

Cut 7 (13) “…constituents satisfied.” 

Hogan says very few well-known Louisiana democrats sought to run for Congress. Many are relative unknowns. He says this isn’t good for the Democrats’ future endeavors…:

Cut 8 (09) “…in the 2023 elections.”

________________________________________________

The Louisiana Department of Children and Family Services has received approval to expand pandemic benefits for eligible K-12 students to help cover the cost of food for the summer. Assistant Secretary for Family Support Shavana Howard says it’s part of the USDA’s summer program.

Cut 9 (05) “…separate installments.”

She says of 575-thousand eligible families, they should be on the look for those two separate installments, the majority being issued in the autumn months and about 18 thousand will receive those benefits in the next two weeks.

Howard says students who received free or reduced-price meals and were in school in May of 2022, won’t have to apply for summer P-EBT benefits.

Cut 10 (06) “…the benefits.” 

For those who did not receive benefits in May, Howard says they would need to apply by this Friday, July 29th. That website is pebtla-dot-org. In addition to an application, the website has more information about the program…

Cut 11 (05)  “…p-ebt card.”

_________________________________________________

130-million dollars will be used from the America Rescue Plan to bring more affordable and accessible internet to over 66-thousand households and small businesses in 50 parishes. Director of the Office of Broadband Development and Connectivity Veneeth Iyengar says internet service providers will use this federal money to boost high speed internet in rural areas….

Cut 12 (12) “…throughout the state”   

Iyengar says,  to find out if your parish will benefit from this money, go to connect-dot-la-dot-gov

Cut 13 (12) “…made yesterday.”

Iyengar says they expect to issue another 43-million dollars from the America Rescue Plan by October and they’ll also be able to tap into federal dollars contained in the Infrastructure Bill. He says the goal is to eliminate the digital divide in Louisiana by 2029….

Cut 14 (07)  “…spent wisely.” 

2:30 LRN Newscast July 26

Motorists have been making significant changes in their driving habits to combat high gas prices, that’s according to a Triple-A survey. Spokesperson Don Redman says almost two-thirds of drivers are changing their driving and spending routines…even foregoing vacations…:

CUT 05(10)      “…reduce those expenditures.”

After qualifying for the fall midterm elections ended last week, it was evident there were no democrat candidates in two congressional races. Why? District 4’s Mike Johnson was just re-elected, having drawn NO opponent – democrat or otherwise. In District 6, Garret Graves has two challengers; a republican and a libertarian. LSU political science professor Robert Hogan says those two worked hard for the folks back home…:

CUT 07(13)      “…constituents satisfied.”

He says those districts favor Republicans, but this still bodes ill for democrats in the 2023 elections.

 

The state Department of Children and Family Services receives approval to expand pandemic benefits for eligible K-12 students to help cover the cost of food for the summer. Assistant Secretary for Family Support Shavana Howard says it’s part of the USDA’s summer program…:

CUT 09(05)      “…separate installments.”

For those who did not receive benefits in May, Howard says they would need to apply by this Friday, July 29th.

$130-million will be used from the America Rescue Plan to bring more affordable and accessible internet to over 66-thousand homes and small businesses in 50 parishes. Director of the Office of Broadband Development and Connectivity Veneeth Iyengar says to find out if your parish will benefit, go to “connect.la.gov”…:

CUT 13(12)      “…made yesterday.”

1:30 LRN Newscast July 26

Days after a state judge blocked enforcement of the state’s abortion ban, Judge Donald Johnson has also denied a motion from Attorney General Jeff Landry to suspend the ruling while they pursue an appeal. So, in the meantime abortions can continue, Landry expects the issue will eventually be decided by the state supreme court.

When qualifying for fall elections was over last week, two U.S. House district races had no Democrat entered in the race. Kevin Gallagher looks at why…?

Cut 2 (33) “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.”  

130-million dollars will be used from the America Rescue Plan to bring more affordable and accessible internet to over 66-thousand households and small businesses in 50 parishes. Director of the Office of Broadband Development and Connectivity Veneeth Iyengar says internet service providers will use this federal money to boost high-speed internet in rural areas….

Cut 12 (12) “…throughout the state”   

Two-thirds of motorists have been making significant changes in their driving habits to combat high gas prices, that’s according to a Triple-A survey. Spokesperson Don Redman says even though the statewide average for a gallon of regular gas has dropped to $3.92, the changes in driving habits will most likely continue.

Cut 4  (10) “…the winter.”

 

12:30 LRN Newscast July 26

According to Triple-A close to two-thirds of motorists have made lifestyle changes due to prices at the pump…:

CUT 01(33)      “…Thorington.”

Raising Canes CEO Todd Graves has bought 50-thousand tickets for tonight’s massive Mega Millions drawing. Graves says if any of the tickets wins the big jackpot, he will split it evenly among his company’s employees. The jackpot is now roughly $810-million.

 

Qualifying for the fall federal midterm elections ended last week with no Democrat candidate in two congressional district races. Why? LSU political science professor Robert Hogan says District 4’s Mike Johnson was just re-elected, having drawn NO opponent; democrat or otherwise. In District 6, Garret Graves has two challengers; a republican and a libertarian. Hogan says those are both VERY conservative districts…:

CUT 06(07)      “…are very low.”

He says Johnson and Graves have also worked hard to assure constituents are happy with them. Hogan says the lack of well-known Democrats running this fall bodes ill for statewide eklections next fall.

…and now today’s markets…

11:40 LRN Sportscast

The Saints report to training camp today. There are hopes New Orleans can win the N-F-C South with first year head coach Dennis Allen. But A dark cloud hanging over the team is a potential suspension for running back Alvin Kamara, who is facing a felony battery charge in Las Vegas. Kamara’s next court hearing is August 1st and Saints analyst Mike Detillier says NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell doesn’t hand down discipline, until a legal judgement is made…
cut 17 (13) “…2023”
Head Coach Dennis Allen and General Manager Mickey Loomis speak later today and we’ll get an update on the health of wide receiver Michael Thomas who missed all of last season after undergoing ankle surgery.

LSU unveiled its statue of Pete Maravich yesterday. Maravich is performing a behind the back pass and of course he has shaggy hair and floppy socks. Maravich died at the age of 40 in 1988 from an unknown heart defect. He remains the leading scorer in NCAA Division one college basketball history.

Sun Belt coaches pick U-L Lafayette and Appalachian State to win their respective divisions again. The Cajuns defeated the Mountaineers 24-16 in last year’s Sun Belt title game in Lafayette. ULM is picked to finish seventh. Sun Belt Media Days is underway today in New Orleans and Commissioner Keith Gill said he supports an expansion of the college football playoff to 12 teams, six conference champions and six at-large teams.

Media members that cover Conference USA has Louisiana Tech finishing ninth in the eleven-team league. UTSA is the favorite. Bulldog players, Kicker Jacob Barnes, linebacker Tyler Grubbs, wide receiver Smoke Harris, offensive lineman Joshua Mote and defensive lineman Keivie Rose were named to the 2022 preseason watch list.

Northwestern State has announced they’ve signed Hansel Enmanuel. He is a basketball star out of Florida who reached that status despite having just one arm. Emmanuel averaged nearly 26 points per game during his senior season at Life Christian Academy in Kissimmee.

11:30 LRN Newscast July 26

Motorists have been making significant changes in their driving habits to combat high gas prices, that’s according to a AAA survey. Spokesman Don Redman says almost two-thirds of drivers are changing their driving routines and the top three behaviors they’ve altered are…:

CUT 03(10)      “…the economy.”

The statewide average price of regular gas $3.92; down 53-cents from a month ago.

$130-million in federal money has come to Louisiana to expand broadband access statewide. Coincidentally, the state is also piloting a program to improve the state’s digital literacy rate. Commissioner of Higher Education Dr. Kim Hunter Reed says they hope to see a 50-percent increase within five years…:

CUT 10(08)      “…forward in Louisiana.

 

The FastStart incentive program at Louisiana Economic Development takes top honors for the 13th time. Brooke Thorington has more…:

CUT 02(32)      “…Thorington.”

Catahoula Parish deputies hope to identify the remains of a woman found last weekend by fishermen in Black River, near Jonesville. She is between 20 and 40 years of age, but due to advanced decomposition, the I.D. is hard. They ask if anyone thinks they can help identify the woman, call 318-744-5411; ask for Detective King.